Wind Energy
Wind energy is a type of renewable energy that uses the sun’s heat to generate power, hence it is also a form of solar energy. When sun heats the earth, not all places and atmospheres are heated up evenly, and this creates wind. When the wind power pushes the wind turbines to move, the wind turbines generate kinetic energy which is then converted to electricity. Nowadays, wind turbines are often seen in a large number in wind farms, which are connected to electric power transmission networks, providing electricity to people.
Although China produces a lot of greenhouse gases through the many factories, it has also been ranked the first in terms of both accumulated and newly installed wind turbines. USA, producing 65,879 MW in total up until 2014 came right after China’s 114,763 MW. Others includes Spain, Germany and India, with a total of 39,165 MW, 22,987 MW and 22,465 MW of energy produced respectively.
Using wind as a resource is a non-polluting way of generating energy, it is also free and renewable. It doesn’t matter how much we use today, they will still be available in the future as long as the sun exists. However, the cost for machineries and innovative research can sometimes cost a fortune, but this can be justified as the benefit of not having to pay for the resource allows for minimal operating expenses. Environmental issue is another concern that has to be taken into consideration as wind farms take up a lot of space, and can sometimes affect animal habitats or even the food chain, as some animals may be killed of by flying into the rotors.
The real challenge with wind energy is that despite being a free resource, it is not always available. What makes it even more challenging is that wind energy cannot be stored, just like electricity. This makes its really difficult to manage demand and supply. Alsso, places with lots of wind are usually remote and very far away from where electricity are demanded, again making transportation an issue.
Overall, wind energy is a clean, cost effective energy. If people can someone over come the storage problem it will undoubtedly be one of the most efficient energy source in the future.
Citations:
- Burton, Tony, David Sharpe, and Nick Jenkins. Wind Energy Handbook. John Wiley & Sons, 2015. Print.
- Danigelis, Alyssa. ‘Top 10 Countries On Wind Power’. Discovery News 2015. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
- Manwell, J. F, J. G McGowan, and Anthony L Rogers. Wind Energy Explained. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Print.
- Wikipedia,. ‘Wind Power’. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
- Windeis.anl.gov,. ‘Wind Energy Basics’. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
